Chapter 1

I died.

Yep—flat-out died while picking up a birthday gift for my foster brother, Alex.

The shoes he wanted had just dropped on Christmas Eve, and our tiny town was useless. So I told my husband, Brian, to take my sister, Ruby, home first to eat with my parents.

I snagged the shoes, started heading back... then bam—massive pileup.

While trying to get some kids out of a wrecked tour bus, a car exploded and blasted me off a cliff. Dead on impact.

The Reaper felt bad for me—said I didn't deserve to go out like that. Gave me seven days. One last shot to say goodbye.

When I came back, it was already dark.

I kept thinking—I wish I had wings. Maybe they were waiting.

But under the moonlight, as I got closer, I saw through the dining room window—

Alex, sitting between my parents. Brian and Ruby, side by side.

Red wine. Fancy food. Everyone dressed like they were starring in a holiday ad.

It was a six-seat table, but somehow, it felt like there was no room for a sixth.

Bitterness hit hard, and I hated myself for it.

They didn't know I was gone. Didn't blame me for being late on Christmas Eve. So why was I being so petty?

I was about to walk in—then I saw Ruby.

She leaned over to Brian, all soft-eyed and sweet.

"Brian, I made this scallion chicken just for you. Try it."

He didn't. Instead, he took her hand, frowning like some worried boyfriend.

"You always cut yourself when you cook. Why are you even in the kitchen?"

Ruby pouted. "You used to love it when Shiloh made this. I figured... if she could, I could too."

Brian's face shifted.

"No need. Shiloh was tough—so she could handle all the housework. You're not her, you're delicate."

Then he kissed her hand, slow and careful, like she might break.

I wasn't supposed to feel pain anymore—no heartbeat, no pulse—but right then, my chest twisted like something inside me ripped open.

Flashes of them together flooded my head.

Brian and I had both graduated from top schools in Carmoria. Stayed in Montedra City after.

Then three years ago, Ruby showed up, all wide-eyed and ambitious, saying she needed city work. Our parents dragged her to our door, laying on the guilt until I caved.

Brian said yes to keep the peace.

They never crossed any lines around me. Always bickering, acting like they couldn't stand each other.

I bent over backward trying to help them get along. Treated Brian like gold just to make it easier.

But now? All that fighting? Just a cover.

They knew I felt torn. Guilty. And they used it—used me—to sneak around and get closer behind my back.

The thought made my stomach flip. I felt sick.

I wanted to storm in, call them out, burn the whole lie down.

But then it got worse.

Alex stood up, all smiles. He pointed at the garlic butter shrimp and said to Ruby.

"Mom, here! Your favorite!"

That word—'Mom'—hit me like a slap. My ears rang.

My head snapped up.

Mom slapped a hand over Alex's mouth.

"What did I tell you? At home, she's your 'sister.'"

Dad just shrugged.

"So what? Shiloh's not coming back."

Alex's face lit up, full of smug little pride.

"She's probably still off buying shoes or something. Not coming back tonight! I'm calling them Mom and Dad—and I'm sleeping with them too!"

He turned to Brian. "Daddy, can I?"

Before Brian even opened his mouth, Ruby jumped in.

"Of course you can," she said. "I barely get to see you. I couldn't say no."

Then she turned to Brian with that pathetic look she always used.

"Brian, every time he calls, he begs to sleep with us. Just this once—don't say no, okay?"

Brian hesitated for like half a second before nodding.

"Alright."

Alex lit up.

"Yes! I get to sleep with Mommy and Daddy! I get to sleep with Mommy and Daddy!"